A recent state audit identified multiple problems with financial management practices in Milton town government during 2023 and 2024. Town officials say they’ve taken corrective action. Lack of oversight, missing internal controls, insecure computer accounts, insufficient record keeping, and inaccurate balances and financial statements were among the concerns named. The June 9 report, written by […]

Author Archives: Chris Hardie
Chris Hardie is the owner and publisher of the Western Wayne News.
Panelists: Protecting democratic due process requires action
Panelists at a June 18 town hall came at the issue from several different angles, but all agreed that democratic due process and individual rights are facing threats, and that protecting them requires involvement from area residents. Dr. Joanna Swanger, an Earlham College professor who teaches about civic movements around the world, told the 30 […]
WCTV needs your support
Whitewater Community Television might be one of those names you’ve heard or seen go by, but like so many other organizations that work behind the scenes in our community, you might not realize all that they do for the people who live here. Now, with their future existence in question, it’s not too late to […]
Boil advisory lifted after water main break
A water main break this week caused disruptions in service and low water pressure for about 1,600 customers of Indiana American Water, according to a company spokesperson. A 12-inch water main on National Road West near Salisbury Road ruptured around 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 14. A boil advisory was issued for households and businesses […]
Wernle campus sold to Indy non-profit
The former site of Wernle Youth & Family Treatment Center in Richmond will have new life as a home for residential and outpatient services provided by Damar, an Indianapolis-based nonprofit that helps children and adults with autism and intellectual, developmental and behavioral disabilities. In a news release, Damar said it had purchased the 74-acre property […]
Residents invited to shape watershed management plan
Residents might not often think about the watershed area they live in, but these water systems can have a big impact on agriculture, drinking water quality, plant and animal life, weather patterns and recreation options. Now, landowners, farmers and those who use waterways for recreation are being invited to help shape the health and future […]
Construction may snare motorists
Utility work being planned for an already challenging road intersection in Richmond will require motorists to adjust their routes starting next week. During their April 10 meeting, the Richmond Board of Public Works and Safety heard about the need to close sections of eastbound U.S. Highway 40 and 37th Street in front of the Kroger […]
Hagerstown council braces for increased water rates
Hagerstown residents might want to set aside some extra funds to cover expected water rate increases that are needed to support updating the town’s water infrastructure. Sarah Correll, an attorney with Ice Miller, presented an update on the issuance of a bond to fund the replacement of the town’s water lines, along with a corresponding […]
Lincoln grad brings love of math, physics to global tech industry
If you’ve used a modern smartphone, television or computing device, you’re likely benefiting from the work of 1982 Lincoln High School graduate Joseph Olson. Classmates might remember him for his accomplishments on the tennis court — he was a TEC doubles champion in his senior year — or his participation in band, but as a […]
Renters, landlords meet to clarify housing rights
Tenants and landlords came together in a Feb. 27 meeting to figure out how everyone can do their part to ensure laws are being followed and rights are being respected in area rental housing arrangements. Attendees have rented houses and apartments for all sorts of reasons. Some were young professionals just starting out in the […]